For many years, Vince Bartels has been a prominent member of the Sacramento jazz scene in California. He has anchored the popular Fulton Street Jazz Band's rhythm section since 1977. Vince was just a kid back then, having grown up in the world of jazz due to his father, Hank Bartels, a renowned bass player and Louisiana native who grew up with clarinetist Pete Fountain and worked with him in the original Dukes of Dixieland band in New Orleans.

Then in 2004, Vince organized an all-star band and recorded a CD loaded with masterly performances. This talented bunch from all parts of the U.S. includes: Eddie Higgins, piano/composer; Dan Barrett, cornet/trombone/arrangements; Allan Vaché, clarinet; Russ Phillips, trombone; and Dave Stone, bass. A second recording was made in 2005 with Jennifer Leitham on bass. Together, this group (aka "Migrant Jazz Workers") has a vibrant, magical chemistry that was evident at their recording sessions and during their performances at the 2005 and 2006 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Vince continues to work with various combinations of world-class jazz musicians at festival in the U.S. and Europe.

For three years, Vince was President of the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society (STJS), which sponsors the annual Sac. Jazz Jubilee -- the largest trad. jazz festival in the world. The STJS also operates a Youth Jazz Camp and an Adult Jazz Camp every summer in Sly Park, CA, amidst the beautiful alpine setting of the Sierra Nevada. The camp is staffed by some of the best working jazz musicians in the world. "A good time is had by all." Learn more about Jazz Camp and other jazz programs by visiting the STJS Web site.